The Pollution Within: Sick Building Syndrome (SDS)

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The Pollution Within Sick Building Syndrome (SDS)
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What is a sick building?

• Combination of ailments associated with an
  individuals place of work or residence related
  to indoor air quality.
• Indoor air quality
• CO, O3, SO2, NO2
• Lead
• Particulate matter
• Mold, bacteria
• Radon
• Other allergens

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What are the sources of indoor pollution?

• Most indoor air pollution comes from sources
  inside the building.
• Adhesives
• Carpeting
• Upholstery
• Manufactured wood products
• Copy machines
• Pesticides
• Cleaning agents may emit volatile organic
  compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde.
• Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high
  levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and
  respirable particulate matter.

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What about outdoor sources?

• The outdoor air that enters a building can be a
  source of indoor air pollution.
• Pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts plumbing
  vents, and building exhausts (e.g., bathrooms and
  kitchens) can enter the building through poorly
  located air intake vents, windows, and other
  openings.
• In addition, combustion products can enter a
  building from a nearby garage.

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How do biological contaminants enter the building?

• Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of
  biological contaminants.
• These contaminants may breed in stagnant water
  that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and
  drain pans, or where water has collected on
  ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation.
• Sometimes insects or bird droppings can be a
  source of biological contaminants.

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How do we test for indoor air quality?

• An indoor air quality investigation procedure is
  best characterized as a cycle of information
  gathering, hypothesis formation, and hypothesis
  testing.
• It generally begins with a walkthrough inspection
  of the problem area to provide information about
  the four basic factors that influence indoor air
  quality
• the occupants
• the HVAC system
• possible pollutant pathways
• possible contaminant sources.

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What can we do?

• Pollutant source removal or modification
• Increasing ventilation rates
• Air cleaning
• Education and communication